An Empire of Regions: A Brief History of Colonial British America

by Eric Nellis

Overview

An Empire of Regions is a refreshing interpretation of British American history that demonstrates how the thirteen British mainland colonies grew to function as self-governing entities in distinct regional clusters. In lucid prose, Eric Nellis invites readers to explore the circumstances leading to the colonies' collective defense of their individual interests, and to reevaluate the founding principles of the United States. There is considerable discussion of social conditions and of the British background to the colonies' development. Extensive treatment of slavery, the slave trade, and native populations is provided, while detailed maps illustrate colony boundaries, settlement growth, and the impact of the Proclamation Line. This absorbing and compelling narrative will captivate both newcomers to and enthusiasts of American history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442604032
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	01/31/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	368
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Eric Nellis is an Emeritus Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of British Columbia.

Table of Contents

List of Maps and Tables

Acknowledgements

A Note on Usage

Preface

Introduction: Many and Varied New Worlds

1. Europe in the Age of Exploration: The Portuguese and Spanish Empires
2. The French and Dutch in North America and the Caribbean Melting Pot
3. The English Colonies in Mainland North America Before 1650
4. The Growth of New England and the Chesapeake: 1650-1700
5. The English Civil War, the Restoration, and the First British Empire in America
6. Transition: Imperial Wars and British Politics 1689-1748
7. The Regions of Colonial America: Northern Society and Politics in the Eighteenth Century
8. The Regions of Colonial America: Society and Politics in the Eighteenth Century Chesapeake and the South
9. Christian America and the Great Awakening
10. The New Empire and the Revolt of the Colonies, 1748-1776

General Reference Bibliography

Index

What People are Saying About This

Alan Gallay

This smart, knowing book examines the evolution of early America in terms of region. I know of no better way to come to terms with the development of the British colonies. Eric Nellis's nuanced, engaging, and up-to-date account thoroughly incorporates the thematic developments that have guided colonial American studies of the last two generations, placing his history in an Atlantic context, delicately unraveling how a diversity of peoples shaped their lives and those of their neighbors, and reminding us of the singular roles of local ecologies and the original objectives of founders in the shaping of each colony and region. Yet the whole is greater than the parts. Nellis's mature assessments show us that the colonies' histories must be understood alongside the evolution of British colonies that did not rebel in 1776 and, just as importantly, that we keep a keen eye on the development of English society and conceptions of empire to explain the great divergence that occurred.

— Alan Gallay, Woodring Chair of Atlantic World and Early American History, The Ohio State University

Editorial Reviews

This smart, knowing book examines the evolution of early America in terms of region. I know of no better way to come to terms with the development of the British colonies. Eric Nellis's nuanced, engaging, and up-to-date account thoroughly incorporates the thematic developments that have guided colonial American studies of the last two generations, placing his history in an Atlantic context, delicately unraveling how a diversity of peoples shaped their lives and those of their neighbors, and reminding us of the singular roles of local ecologies and the original objectives of founders in the shaping of each colony and region. Yet the whole is greater than the parts. Nellis's mature assessments show us that the colonies' histories must be understood alongside the evolution of British colonies that did not rebel in 1776 and, just as importantly, that we keep a keen eye on the development of English society and conceptions of empire to explain the great divergence that occurred.

—Alan Gallay, Woodring Chair of Atlantic World and Early American History, The Ohio State University

From the Publisher